Melatonin for sleep?

hartsl01

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/melatonin-overview

Has anyone tried this to help combat insomnia? I've had a lot of people tell me to try Benedryl, but I don't have a problem falling asleep. It's when I wake up at 3:30-4 and can't fall back asleep. Any other suggestions?

SnoopyLuv

I took melatonin regularly pre-pregnancy, it has mixed reviews during pregnancy but I'm of the belief that it can't hurt.

Are you waking up because you have to pee and can't fall back asleep? I know it's a common theory that this is getting you prepared for when baby comes, and I honestly believe that. I have been trying to get myself into going to sleep way earlier (like 8 PM) so that when I wake in the middle of the night it's not as bad.

Jenball717

Melatonin typically helps you fall asleep but not stay asleep. So it may not help you.
Doc can prescribe some that are safe while pregnant, they will knock you out until morning. If you are comfortable with that route.

SnoopyLuv

Oh, unisom is also a good pregnancy option.

hartsl01

SnoopyLuv said:

I took melatonin regularly pre-pregnancy, it has mixed reviews during pregnancy but I'm of the belief that it can't hurt.

Are you waking up because you have to pee and can't fall back asleep? I know it's a common theory that this is getting you prepared for when baby comes, and I honestly believe that. I have been trying to get myself into going to sleep way earlier (like 8 PM) so that when I wake in the middle of the night it's not as bad.

Exactly this. But it's not until the second or third time that I wake up. I have no problem the first couple of times falling back asleep. It's just the staying asleep after about 3:30.

megs1409

I've tried Benadryl and Unisom.  I prefer Unisom. 

AlwaysForgetful

Jenball717 said:

Melatonin typically helps you fall asleep but not stay asleep. So it may not help you.

This. I take it to help me fall asleep. But it does not keep you asleep. My Dr. suggested taking half a dose and then at my 2am pee time (like clockwork, I swear) taking another half dose. I have yet to do it though.

If you take that option, be aware that you need to start with a low dose to see what you actually need to fall asleep. a 1mg will knock me out most of the time. Sometimes I need a 3mg. So I can take another one later no issues. The most an adult should take is 10mg. If you "take to much" you can have some really odd dreams. I never take more than a 5 or I do get those dreams.

frizzydizzy

Pre-pregnancy I used melatonin. I like that it doesn't make me groggy in the morning. I was planning on asking my doc about it next appointment to be sure it's safe now that I'm getting the pregnancy insomnia. 

Staceylynn602

SnoopyLuv said:

Oh, unisom is also a good pregnancy option.

I take unisom. I tried melatonin in first tri, but it gave me massive headaches.

Arod1087

I use to take melatonin pre-pregs and I kept doing it the first couple weeks too..but holy hell I felt freaking insane and got panic attacks from it once I was pregs. I use Benadryl now and I sleep like a baby.

I also have books on my iPhone so when I wake up and can't sleep I turn one on with head phones and am back to bed within minutes. Their voices are usually so soothing/boring/slow! Haha

HFrizzle

Depending on the Unisom, there are two different active ingredients, you could be taking Benadryl. One is diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and the other is Doxylamine succinate.

I'm not sure about melatonin, but I would suggested asking your doc if it's ok and if there is something you can take to help fall back to sleep.